DOCUTAH: ‘Flying the Feathered Edge’ screens at old airport hangar, features Harrison Ford

ST. GEORGE – A free gala screening of “Flying the Feathered Edge: The Bob Hoover Project” will be offered to the public Tuesday, 8 p.m., at a site well suited to this dramatic story of the man referred to as “the pilot’s pilot”: A hangar at the old airport property at the Ridge Top Complex, 620 S. Airport Road in St. George.

Aviator Robert Hoover, a World War II pilot, a graduate of the Navy and Air Force Test Pilot schools, and a world renowned test pilot, in documentary film, “Flying the Feathered Edge: The Bob Hoover Project” included in the DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival in St. George, Utah, Sept. 8-12, 2015 | Photo snapshot from film trailer, courtesy of DOCUTAH; St. George News

The film, included in the DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival, tells the story of aviator Robert Hoover, a World War II pilot, a graduate of the Navy and Air Force Test Pilot schools, and a world renowned test pilot. The film was directed by Kim Furst and features an original musical score Emmy Award winning composer David Cottrell. The title derives from the concept that Hoover spent his career flying on the “feathered edge” of the flight envelope, through his flight testing and air show flying.

Furst will be in attendance at the Sept. 8 airport screening and will participate in a seminar at Dixie State University Eccles Center earlier in the day. Music for the gala will be provided by Hal Cannon and the 3Hattrio.

Among those who recount their interactions with and admiration for Hoover are Harrison Ford, Carroll Shelby, Gen. John. R. Dailey (“Jack”), Director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Clay Lacy, Burt Rutan, Dick Rutan, Medal of Honor recipient George E. Bud Day, air show pilot Sean D. Tucker, Lt. Gen.Charles G. Cleveland (“Chick”), and Capt. Eugene Cernan, last man to walk on the moon.

“Bob Hoover is, in my opinion, the greatest pilot who has ever flown,” said Air Force ret. Col. Jack Hunter, Strategic Air Command ICBM Missile Launch Commander who retired as a Group Commander 419th Fighter Wing Hill Air Force Base. “He has always generously given his time to promote aviation and invigorate pilots with his enthusiasm and intense love of flying. This film is a fitting tribute to a great aviator.”

Subsequent screenings of “Flying the Feathered Edge” will be held Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kanab Crescent Moon Theater, 150 S. 100 East in Kanab, and Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. in the Main Stage Theater of the Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center at Dixie State University, 225 S. University Avenue in St. George.

“Because many private pilots and flying enthusiasts live in the Western United States, we believe hosting this event at our old airport creates an environment which is appropriate to honor this pioneering pilot,” said Phil Tuckett, artistic director for DOCUTAH, associate professor at Dixie State University and director of DSU Films. “Bob Hoover’s life speaks to the adventurer in all of us and allows us to live vicariously through his exploits.””

Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. in the Main Stage Theater of the Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center at Dixie State University, 225 S. University Avenue in St. George

About DOCUTAH

The 2015 DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival is held at Dixie State University in St. George. The 2015 festival runs from Sept. 8-12 and includes filmmaker chats, seminars and gala events, all within the beautiful scenery of Southern Utah’s red rock country.

DOCUTAH’s mission is to inspire a global connection through independent documentary films and intellectual discussions. DOCUTAH strives to enhance the education of independent filmmakers, aspiring film students, citizens of the world and the Community. DOCUTAH is one of the few university-sponsored film festivals in the United States. It is an International pure documentary film festival. As part of Dixie State University’s academic component, DOCUTAH also offers master class seminars and filmmaker panels where student, amateur and professional filmmakers can discuss and advance their skills in the art of filmmaking. www.docutah.com.